We continue with our look back at the founding of the modern pipe band competition system on the island of Ireland. After the SPBA was formed in 1930 the North of Ireland Bands Association (NIBA) began to engage experienced piping and drumming adjudicators from its top bands having previously used experienced Army pipe majors in this role. It is my opinion that the merits of the SPBA, and its way…

I was very interested in the recent item regarding the article by Donald McIntosh, an early advocate for the then SPBA, which appeared in the November 1935 issue of ‘Piping and Dancing Magazine’ and particularly the aspect relating to the ‘…..proposed extension of the SPBA into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’. I thought I would pass on some research that I have done regarding the history of Northern…

Many pipers and drummers throughout the world are working in the front line of this worldwide fight against Covid-19, but I don’t know of too many (although I stand to be corrected) who are in what must be the most unenviable position of leading a government’s fight against this cruel virus.  Here in Northern Ireland our Health Minister, Robin Swann, is at the centre of such decision making and in normal…

At a time when piping and drumming news is both scarce and exceedingly downbeat to say the least I am delighted to inform readers of some truly upbeat news. Gary Smyth the lead organiser of the Kids with Cancer Charity concert that took place in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 22nd February 2020 has advised that the amazing total of £14,165 was realised.  On the night the concert…

Frank’s funeral service took place today in the 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland followed by interment in the Portglenone Church of Ireland Graveyard. His sudden passing at his home last Sunday has robbed the pipe band world of one of its great personalities. In the present day Frank was best known as ‘drone tuner in chief’ for the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and a much respected member…